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School Record Six Teams Earn Top 10 APR Scores
The University of Kentucky set a school record with six teams receiving Public Recognition Awards for Academic Progress Rate scores. The NCAA announced Wednesday that Kentucky men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, softball and volleyball, all received honors.
Each of the six teams placed in the top 10 percent of Division I schools for their sport. The APR measures academic eligibility, retention, and graduation and the scores are a four-year composite, covering 2013-2014 to 2016-2017 school years.
Mitch Barnhart and John Calipari Release Statements after another Successful APR Score Report
To have nearly a third of our teams achieve perfect APR scores and receive this national recognition is a testament to the hard work of our students and the commitment our coaches and staff make to supporting them,” said UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart. “Congratulations to our men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s golf, women’s golf, softball, and volleyball teams for earning these awards.”
Our whole mindset is preparing our kids for the rest of their lives,” said John Calipari. “It’s about taking that next step to what they are going to do once they leave Kentucky. For some kids that’s playing professional basketball. For others it’s outside of basketball. Whatever they decide to do – whatever their ‘genius’ is in – it’s our job to make sure they’re prepared when they leave here. With 18 players who have graduated over the last nine years, I believe we’ve done that. Our kids are committed to learning and take care of business in the classroom.”
“We teach growth in all areas. It’s well documented what our players learn about giving back that they carry with them for the rest of their lives. If they decided to pursue their genius and play professional basketball, they know they have lifetime scholarships so they can come back and finish their degree. Whether they leave early or stay here, they’re in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate. Michael Stone and the CATS staff do a wonderful job of making sure out kids are lifelong learners.”
The NCAA will release the APR scores later; along with every Division I team in all sports. Teams that fail to meet the target APR score are subject to penalties.
Read the full story at ukathletics.com that includes quotes from all six head coaches.
School-Record Six Kentucky Teams Win NCAA Academic Progress Rate Award
